Call Cousin Dan in San Fran

When everyone calls friends and loved ones at the same time (like at midnight on New Year's Eve), local phone circuits can get overwhelmed. Long-distance calls will often go through even when local circuits are busy. If a local emergency or event ties up New York City phone circuits, an out-of-state contact can help you relay important messages to family members. Don't delay - choose your out-of-state contact today.

Learn more about communicating in an emergency
Read OEM's Tip of the Week online

Kitchen Fire Safety

FEMA Private Sector Tip of the Week 11/21/11: Practice fire safety by removing oven mitts from stove tops and keep kids & pets away from hot surfaces. http://tinyurl.com/3rl3agr.
Consejo de la semana del 11/21/11: Use seguridad contra incendios al remover los guantes para el horno de la superficie de la estufa y mantenga a los niños y mascotas lejos de las superficies calientes. http://tinyurl.com/3rl3agr.

Shop for Turkey Day Sides and Grab Extra Supplies

The day before Thanksgiving is the busiest grocery shopping day of the year. This week, while you are shopping for Thanksgiving, pick up some extra water and canned goods for your emergency supply kit. It is important to have extra food and water stored at home in case you need to shelter in place. And in the spirit of giving, pick up some extra canned goods to donate at a local food drive.

Learn more about emergency supplies
Find Thanksgiving recipes from NYC Food
Read OEM's Tip of the Week online

Don't Be Burned by Smoking

Smokers are seven times more likely than non-smokers to experience house fires. Thursday, November 17, is the Great American Smokeout, and OEM encourages New Yorkers to help prevent house fires by following advice from the U.S. Fire Administration.

• If you smoke, do it outside.
• Make sure disposed cigarettes and ashes are completely out.
• Never smoke in a home where an oxygen tank is used.

Learn more about fire safety from FDNY
Join the Great American Smokeout
Read OEM's Tip of the Week online

Elect a Meeting Place

Tuesday, November 8, is Election Day, and as you contemplate the elections in your neighborhood, OEM asks you to consider your polling site as an emergency meeting place.

If an emergency prevents you or your family from returning home, everyone should know where to meet. Most poll sites in New York City are located in public buildings within walking distance of each voter's residence. So this year, when you think about who to elect, elect to be prepared as well.

Try OEM's My Meeting Place app on Facebook
Locate your polling site on NYC.gov
Read OEM's Tip of the Week online

Don't Be Scared, Be Prepared.

You never know what might happen on Halloween, but that doesn't mean you can't be prepared. In fact, preparing for something like a zombie attack requires the same planning as emergencies like natural disasters — from putting together a disaster kit to creating an emergency plan. A zombie emergency kit should includes things like water, food and other supplies to get you through the first couple of days before you can locate a zombie-free refugee camp. Or in the event of a natural disaster, it will buy you some time until you are able to make your way to an evacuation shelter or utility lines are restored.

Check out more zombie preparedness tips and a new zombie comic book from the Center for Disease Control
Learn more about emergency supplies
Read OEM's Tip of the Week online

Winterize Your Wardrobe and Your Go Bag

As winter approaches in New York, temperatures drop and jackets, scarves, and hats reappear on city streets. In readying your wardrobe for the onset of cold weather, don't forget to update your emergency supplies. This week is Winter Weather Awareness Week in New York State. Prepare for winter's arrival by adding a blanket, some warm socks, and gloves to your Go Bag.

Learn more about preparing for the winter season
Read OEM's Tip of the Week online

Citizen Corps Community Webinar series

Tip of the Week 10/24/11: Use the Citizen Corps Community Webinar series to educate your staff and interns about  all hazards. www.citizencorps.gov/news/webcasts.shtm.

Find Your Nearest Flu Shot

Every year more than 1,000 New Yorkers die from flu-related complications. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against the flu. Flu season is around the corner and OEM encourages you to get a flu shot from your doctor, local pharmacy, or Health Department clinic. Many employers also offer free or low-cost flu shots. Use the Health Department's Flu Locator to find a flu clinic near you.

Learn more about flu at NYC.gov/flu
Read OEM's Tip of the Week online

Plan Your Fire Escape

More than half of all home fire deaths occur between 10 PM and 6 AM, when most people are sleeping. This week is Fire Prevention Week, and OEM reminds New Yorkers to check their smoke detectors and make a fire escape plan. Map your escape, including two ways out of each room, and practice with a family fire drill.

Get more tips on how to fire escape plan from FDNY
Learn more about Fire Prevention Week
Read OEM's Tip of the Week online

Fire Safety for Colleges and Universities

FEMA Private Sector Tip of the Week 10/10/11: Share Fire Safety 101 for Colleges and Universities with students, staff and faculty to prepare for a safe semester. www.usfa.fema.gov/citizens/college/.

Be An Energy Star

October is Energy Awareness Month and OEM reminds New Yorkers that energy efficiency starts with simple choices. Traditional light bulbs burn out after a few years, but Energy Star-qualified bulbs last up to six times longer and use 75 percent less energy. Reducing the city's energy demand becomes especially important during an emergency when the supply may be strained or disrupted.

Learn more about Energy Awareness Month
Read OEM's Tip of the Week online